Counsel, Naval Facilities Engineering Command

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) is the Navy’s real estate and construction agent. It also is responsible for most of the Navy’s shore-side environmental and conservation program. NAVFAC provides facilities construction and operation and maintenance services; environmental services encompassing environmental planning, compliance, cleanup, pollution prevention, and cultural and natural resources; base realignment and closure (BRAC) services; acquisition, management and disposal of real property outside of BRAC; public utility services; acquisition and maintenance of military family housing through public/private ventures; procurement of construction and transportation equipment; and oceanographic engineering services.

The NAVFAC Office of Counsel is composed of approximately 100 attorneys, 16 at headquarters and the remainder at various field activities in the U.S. and at several overseas locations (Naples, Italy, Yokosuka, Japan, and Guam). Legal practice at most offices is centered on one or more of three core areas: acquisition of facilities and services through contract; land use; and environmental law. For example, NAVFAC attorneys defend against contract bid protests before the Government Accountability Office, advise clients on the adequacy of Environmental Impact Statements, and assist in drafting and negotiating “enhanced use leases” that yield benefits to the Navy while allowing private development of non-excess Navy property. In addition, almost all offices provide legal advice concerning fiscal law, civilian personnel law, and ethics. Field attorneys are either generalists or specialists, depending upon the size of the office and the nature of the legal practice there. At headquarters, the attorneys tend to specialize in the core practice areas. Included in the Headquarters Office is a Trial Team of six attorneys who focus on litigation involving contract disputes before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals or in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. However, any of NAVFAC’s attorneys may find themselves working closely with a U.S. Attorney’s office or the Department of Justice on a case in a Federal Court that affects NAVFAC’s interests.

For additional information on NAVFAC go to www.navfac.navy.mil.